Astorino in "final stages" of picking a running mate

Rob Astorino is in the "final stages" of selecting a running make for his gubernatorial bid, but he declined to reveal any of the names he is considering.

"We are certainly in the final stages of this, and I've been looking over records and going in for discussions," Astorino said Thursday on Albany's WGDJ-AM. "So I think that's going to be narrowed down real quick, and somebody will be picked."

The Republican gubernatorial hopeful spoke to host Fred Dicker on Thursday to repeat his debate challenge to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which was spurred by a pair of television advertisements aired by the state Democratic Party criticizing Astorino's handling of his county's fair-housing settlement with the federal Housing and Urban Development Department.

"Who are you siding with? Because we asked you, Andrew Cuomo as governor, for help in our situation with the federal government, and you didn't say a word or lift a finger," Astorino said. "We're assuming that you're rooting for your old buddies at HUD instead of helping your neighbors, because you live in New Castle, which is one of the communities that the federal government claims is exclusionary and segregatory and discriminatory. So, if you feel that way, Andrew Cuomo, then you should move out of that town. If you still live there, tell us why."

It's the second time this month Cuomo has been challenged to a debate by a prominent Republican. Earlier this month, Cuomo declined to entertain a challenge from Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a potential presidential candidate who wanted to debate Cuomo on their respective economic policies.